Quick Hit: 'Pay attention to detail, focus on doing the little things right'

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nick Saban gave an update on Alabama's injury situation, and two players who will not participate in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan.

Here were his initial comments during the first bowl-preparation press conference Monday evening:

"Well it was definitely good to get back to work out there today. It was a great opportunity for a lot of players on our team to learn, grow and improve with these practices that we have for this game. We have the same message, pay attention to detail, focus on doing the little things right. It seems like whenever we don’t have success in a game those are the points that we have to emphasize and show the players. These are the habits that you want to definitely practice every day so that your focus us what it needs to be so that you can pay attention to detail, play with greatness. I think everyone has to refocus our mindset, in playing in this game. We’re playing a very good team in Michigan, and I’m sure that they have their reasons for having the motivations to try and vindicate some of the things that happened during their season. And I also think that we have a lot of reasons, too, to sort of vindicate some of the disappointments that’ve we’ve had during our season. Team success goes a long way in elevating individuals, and individual performance is noticed when teams have success. And I think every players needs to know that he can create value for himself by playing well in this game, whether it’s his future at Alabama, or his future because it’ll be the last time he plays here.

"I’d like to congratulate 15 guys who graduated on Saturday, which brings [the total] to 23 guys who graduated in this class. To this point we’ve had 150 graduates in the last six years, which is something I think ranks very high nationally in terms of guys finishing their degrees in three-and-a-half years or better.

"We have two players who have made the choice not to play in the game, Terrell Lewis and Trevon Diggs. The guys have choices and decisions to make and we certainly understand and respect their decisions, and wish them well in what they choose to do.

"D.J. Dale has not responded very well to treatment and medications to try and get him in position where he might be able to play in this game, so he is doubtful and we’re going to explore other protocols to try and get him better."

More injury updates, Miller Forristall and Trey Sanders:

"I think Miller Forristall probably has a good chance to be able to come back and play in the game, it depends on how he responds to the activity and contact. Trey Sanders has been cleared to do on-the-field work. But we do not feel that he’s probably a guy who’s going to be ready to play in the game."